open auditions

“The X Factor,” Fox’s other musical talent contest, will hold an open audition for Season 2 in the Bay Area. The tryouts are set for April 20 at the Cow Palace in Daly City and are open to solo artists and vocal groups ages 12 and over. Once again, the show will be offering the biggest prize on television: A $5 million recording contract with Sony Music.

According to a press release issued by Fox, “The X Factor” is expanding its audition process to reach more hopefuls. The Bay Area audition is one of four being held across the country, with others set for Kansas City, Mo., Austin, Tx. and Greensboro, N.C. In addition, online auditions open March 1 at TheXFactorUSA.com. Tryouts will also be held at MyStudio recording sites in seven cities beginning the same day.

Season 1 of “The X Factor” was a mixed bag. It generated solid, if not exceptional ratings for Fox before it ultimately crowned Melanie Amaro as its champ.

Looking to dramatically revamp things for Season 2, Cowell, a judge and executive producer, dropped Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger from the show’s judges panel. Also dumped was host Steve Jones. Replacements have yet to be named.

Additional audition information can be found at www.TheXFactorUSA.com.